Business administration senior Emily Wortman knew her entire life she wanted to work for the Walt Disney Company.
“I just never thought my dream would come true quite so soon,” said Wortman.
Wortman applied to the Disney Internship program and, to her surprise, she was granted the job. She worked as a merchandise cast member and was responsible for interacting with guests and producing magical memories. She was stationed at the Magic Kingdom on Main Street, the entrance to the park, and what she describes as the “heart of all the magic.”
“I’ve always been fascinated by the magic Disney produces time and time again. What Disney does on an everyday basis is just amazing to me,” said Wortman. “Having a chance to see the behind-the-scene interworkings of how it all comes together gave me an even greater appreciation for the Disney Company.”
Wortman said the most important thing she took away from her experience was life skills.
“I think it would have to be life skills. I learned what it is like to really go away from home and be on your own while also learning to become more outgoing and independent. But most of all I learned how to come out of my shell and stand out in a large corporation, which can be really difficult.”
In addition to helping to make the guests experience at Disney memorable, Wortman also assisted in the promotion of merchandise sales for everything from memorabilia to Disney-themed candy.
“I attribute my opportunity to work for Disney to the Drexel co-op,” said Wortman. “Having a chance to gain real-world work experience gave me the time needed to get the job at the Walt Disney Company.”
During her time at Disney, Wortman was able to see just how much of a role community outreach and philanthropy plays in the Walt Disney business model.
“I was inspired to get involved with volunteering and found Give Kids The World. I helped to produce a magical Christmas experience for kids suffering from lifelong illness,” said Wortman. “Give Kids The World is an organization that dedicates itself to providing a fantasy land to escape for children and their families who are usually wrapped up in continuous hospital visits. I was able to be a part of helping a child’s dream come true and see them get to know what it feels like to just be a kid and, for one day, worry about nothing else.”
Wortman says she believes the experience she had during her co-op at Disney will most certainly help her to succeed when she graduates from Drexel.
“I can’t think of a better way to learn than to get six months hands on experience with a company as renowned as the Walt Disney Company.”